"You don't have to explain anything to me," I say quietly, dropping my hands to my side, abandoning the imaginary mission in my purse. Not sure I can look him in the eyes without opening the flood gates, I just stare down at my shoes.
"Yes, I do. I feel like I did something that accidentally led you on. That wasn't my intention at all. I think you're a great girl, it's just that my life is such a mess."
"Don't apologize. You didn't do anything wrong." I take a deep breath, finally raising my gaze to meet his. I have no reason to be hurt right now, but that doesn't change the fact that I am. I need to remind myself that he didn't ask me out on this so called date. There is no one to blame for this fiasco except myself, and maybe Kara for forcing me out of the house in this ridiculous dress. Fantastic, I'm dressed like a slut and out on a date with a married man. This just keeps getting better and better. I can't even aim my frustration at Brett. He got sucked into this the same way I did. I asked him to the game, and his best friend made him come. His stupid, lying best friend.
"I'm going to kill Caleb Jones," I mumble under my breath.
"Huh?" He looks confused as I start to get mad.
"Nothing, I just hope you aren't overly attached to Caleb, because I plan to strangle him next time I see him."
"I know that feeling all too well. What did good 'ole Detective Jones do to you?" he laughs.
"He told me you weren't in a relationship," I sigh. "Look, I'm really sorry about all this. This was supposed to be fun, and now it's weird. Can we just forget all this happened? Maybe go back in time to last week before I made a total fool of myself? I had no idea you were married. You don't wear a ring, so I just assumed. Anyway... you can go if you want. I'm sure your wife isn't happy about you being out with another woman right now."
"What else did Caleb tell you?" Brett says in a tone so harsh it could wound, causing me to take a step backwards.
"Nothing. Nothing at all!" I backtrack, trying to figure out the reason behind his sudden mood swing.
Replaying the conversation in my head, I come up empty handed. I have no idea what has set him off this time. It's probably best if I just cut my losses and leave now. He is already going to think I'm a fool, but the least I can do is not confirm it.
"Okay, well thanks for meeting me here today to explain things. I'm going to head out, but feel free to go back to the box and finish the rest of the game. Please apologize to your wife for me. I really am sorry." I turn to walk away, only to feel him grab my arm pulling me to a stop again.
"Stop running away and just let me talk for a minute. Okay?" Sweet Brett is back so rather than open my mouth again, I just nod, fearful of the angry ogre's return.
"I lost my wife in car accident four years ago."
"Oh, God Brett, that's horrible." I gasp, stunned by his announcement.
He doesn't even pause to acknowledge my comment.
"I've never tried to move on from Sarah. I honestly don't even know where to start. So yes, I'm married, but Caleb didn't lie to you. I'm not in a relationship." He finishes and simply shrugs as if he didn't just tell me something so heartbreakingly tragic.
"I'm so sorry." I'm not sure why I'm apologizing, but that's what people do when faced with a death.
"It's okay. You should know that the accident is a really sensitive subject for me and Caleb. Hence the fight last week at Nell's. His fiancé was killed in the car that night." I suck in a breath and throw my hands up to cover my mouth. Tears spring to my eyes. I can’t stop myself from reaching forward and wrapping my arms around Brett's waist. He doesn't immediately respond to my unexpected show of affection.
"Are you crying?" he asks uncomfortably. I don't care though. This man needs a hug.
"That's really sad. You both lost your wives in the same accident. It makes my heart hurt. I can't imagine how that must have felt. God, I am so sorry." He finally wraps his thick arms me. One hand grabbing the back of my head, pulling it to rest on his chest. As the tears run down my face, I feel him ever so slightly chuckle.
I crane my head all the way back to see his face filled with humor. "Are you laughing at me?"
"Well, when I imagined how this conversation would go, it sure didn't end with you crying over my broken heart. So yes, I am," he says, looking down but not releasing me. I rest my head back against his hard chest, sniffling and trying to stop my tears.
"We should call Caleb. I need to give him a hug too." I say, causing him to burst into loud laughter.
"I think it's in Caleb's best interest not to see you dressed like this while trying to hug him. So, how about you just give him his tomorrow." Not completely understanding but not ready to step out of his warm arms, I stay silent.